Australian pharmacies take a loss under government scheme for concession cardholders as RAT prices skyrocket

Under the program 6.6m concession cardholders in Australia can access up to 10 free RATs over a three month period, but the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has told the Guardian the scheme leads to a loss for individual chemists.

The shortage of tests across the country has driven up wholesale prices. The tests currently cost the pharmacies up to $17.50 each but the government is providing only a $10 reimbursement, the guild said.

Twomey said some pharmacies have struggled to afford tests under the concession scheme.

The guild has established a Rapid Antigen Test finder for concession card holders which lists local pharmacies that have tests in stock. The site initially struggled under the demand, but Twomey said it has since stabilised and is available to use.

The federal government has previously indicated that testing supplies will improve in the coming weeks, with 16m tests expected to arrive at pharmacies before the end of January.

The tests provide a means for vulnerable communities to ensure their safety, as well as those of their families and carers, allowing people to protect their incomes.

Acoss is calling on the government to establish a Covid Rapid Response Group that would include unions, businesses and public health experts to help coordinate the pandemic response.